Structures

ABSTRACT

A ridge end assembly for a hipped roof is disclosed in which panel-supporting elongate members of the hipped roof are connected to the ridge end by connectors which are provided with means for locating lengths of sealing material betwen panels supported, in use, by the panel supporting members and an overlying ridge end cap. In one embodiment, the ridge assembly can include a ridge structure, a ridge cap for fitting atop the ridge structure, the ridge cap having a channel at its underside, and at least one fastener having an enlarged part for reception and retention in the channel, the fastener comprising a flexible tie by means of which the cap can be drawn into place on the ridge structure and then secured by a locking member co-operating with the tie. In another embodiment, a roofing structure comprises an eaves structure, glazing bars supported on the eaves structure, one or more roofing panels supported by the glazing bars and an end fitting including a portion overlying one end of the roofing panel and coupled to the eaves structure to prevent lifting of the roofing panels. In a further embodiment of the invention, a conservatory framework comprises an eaves structure from which the roof is supported and a cill for mounting one or more window frames located below the eaves structure, there being at least one corner and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure and/or the cill being formed by a separate connector which interconnects adjacent sections of the eaves structure and/or the cill. Glazing bars of the roofing structure may be coupled to an eaves structure by shoes to facilitate installation of the roofing structure.

The present invention relates to improvements in roof structures andcomponents, especially for conservatories. Other aspects of theinvention are concerned with structural features of conservatories.

Hipped Roof Features

A first aspect of the present invention is concerned with roof ridgeassemblies, especially for conservatories of the hipped type in whichpanel supporting bars radiate from one end of a ridge structure, thesupporting bars being connected between the ridge end and an eaves beamand the ridge end being provided with a cap overlying the end portionsof the supporting bars.

In known arrangements, to prevent ingress of rainwater etc beneath thecap, flexible foamed material is pushed into the gap between the cap andthe underlying roofing in a somewhat haphazard and unreliable manner.

This aspect of the present invention seeks to provide, inter alia, amore reliable sealing arrangement for the ridge end construction.

The present invention resides in a ridge end assembly for a hipped roofin which panel-supporting elongate members of the hipped roof areconnected to the ridge end by connectors which are provided with meansfor locating lengths of sealing material between the panels supported,in use, by the panel supporting members and an overlying ridge end cap.

The lengths of sealing material may be in the form of strips locatedwith one edge contacting the panels and the opposite edge contacting orin close proximity to the underside of the cap.

The lengths of sealing material may be located at a position at orimmediately adjacent a lower edge of the ridge end cap so as tointercept rainwater at the opening between the panels and the ridge endcap.

The invention also resides in a connector for use in connectingpanel-supporting bars to the ridge end of a hipped roof, the connectorbeing provided with a formation for coupling to a mounting elementassociated with the ridge end and locating means for positioning stripsof sealing material between the panels and an overlying ridge end cap.

The strips may have sealing contact at least with the panels and,optionally, with the ridge end cap so as to achieve weatherproofing to asubstantial extent, especially with respect to ingress of rainwater.

The locating means may form part of the connectors or, alternatively,may be provided on separate components which are adapted to be fitted tothe connectors.

The locating means may be formed by spaced flanges which extendsubstantially transversely to the panel-supporting members, the flangesbeing arranged so that a section of the sealing material can be insertedin and retained in position by the flanges.

At least one of the flanges may be provided with an upstanding flexiblesealing gasket for co-operation with the overlying ridge end cap.

The connectors may be provided with drainage channels for directing anywater penetrating beneath the cap to channels provided on the supportingbars.

The drainage channels may be provided directly on the connectors or,alternatively, on separate components adapted to be fitted to theconnectors, which components will usually be the same components asreferred to above but the possibility of different components being usedis not excluded.

The drainage channels may be formed by lateral extensions which may bearranged to contact the undersides of the panels in the proximity of theridge end.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is contemplated that the provision of aconnector with a drainage channel or channels as disclosed herein mayconstitute a separate aspect or aspects of the invention which are notnecessarily limited to use in combination with the locating means.

The extensions may be provided with gaskets for sealing contact with theundersides of the panels.

The flanges and/or the extensions may be integrally formed with theconnectors.

Each connector may be provided with a hook-shaped formation forconnection to an arcuate mounting element associated with the ridge end.

Enhanced Security Roof Structure Features

The subject matter of the present application includes an improved roofstructure; in particular, one which affords greater security againstthieves making entry through the roof of a conservatory or the like byremoving one or more panels.

This may be embodied in a roof structure comprising a ridge, an eavesbeam, spaced apart glazing bars extending between the ridge and theeaves beam and roofing panels supported by the glazing bars,characterised in that to provide security against removal of the roofpanels: each glazing bar comprises an inner elongate member which has atleast one shoulder providing support for the inner face of an edge of aroofing panel and at least one outer elongate member for co-operationwith the inner member and, in use, overlies an outer face of the roofingpanel edge, the inner and outer elongate members being so arranged thatlifting of the panels is prevented by (a) the members being coupledtogether by fastening means operable from the inner member side of theglazing bar and/or (b) means associated with the inner member forobstructing lifting of the panel independently of the outer member(s) insuch a way as to maintain the panel captive against lifting from theinner member after the outer member has been removed; and the lower edgeof at least one the panels is provided with an end fitting including aportion overlying one end of the roofing panel to prevent that end ofthe panel being lifted.

In this manner, it is possible to locate the panels between the innerand outer members and because the fastening means is not operable oraccessible from the side of the assembly on which the outer member islocated, greater security is afforded against break-in to a conservatoryor the like by removal of a roof panel or panels. This is in contrastwith the glazing bar assembly of British Patent Application No. 2347963where break-in can simply effected easily by levering the capping fromthe bar and then removing one or more roofing panels.

The end fitting serves to prevent access to the lower end of the roofingpanel and, in conjunction with the arrangement of the glazing barsaffords enhanced security against break-in because, usually the otherend of the roofing panel or panels extend to a ridge structure part ofwhich overlies that end of the roofing panel(s) resulting, by virtue ofthe present invention, in both ends of the panel being trapped at theridge and eaves structures thereby further obstructing any attempt toremove the panel(s).

A glazing bar suitable for use in the above-defined enhanced securityroof structure may have one or more of the following features in anycombination where the context admits:

-   a. there may be just one outer member but the possibility of there    being more than one is not excluded.-   b. the inner and outer members may be fabricated as extruded    profiles, e.g. of aluminium or aluminium alloy or of a plastics    material.-   c. the inner and outer members are each formed with a channel    defined by spaced walls and arranged in such a way that they    interfit in telescopic fashion.-   d. the fastening means is accommodated within the interfitting    channels.-   e. the fastening means includes a tension-transmitting element.-   f. the fastening means includes complementary screwthreaded    portions.-   g. one of the complementary portions co-operates with the underside    of the inner member in use and is operable to draw the inner and    outer members together.-   h. the fastening means comprises one component for locating the same    relative to the outer member and such component is concealed within    the glazing bar assembly so as to be inaccessible from the outside    of the roofing structure in use.-   i. the fastening means comprises a bolt and nut set.-   j. the fastening means comprises a self-tapping fastener.-   k. one component of the bolt and nut set is captive with the outer    member and the other component co-operates with the underside of the    inner member.-   l. two or more fastening means are provided at spaced intervals    along the length of the glazing bar.-   m. the inner member is generally T-shaped comprising a hollow    central portion in which the fastening means is accommodated.-   n. the outer member is generally V-shaped, the arrangement being    such that the hollow central portion of the inner member extends    into the V-shaped outer member.-   o. the outer member includes a fastener-locating housing for    receiving an enlarged part the fastening means.

A glazing bar having any one or more of the foregoing features a.-o. isconsidered to constitute an invention in its own right and the applicantreserves the right to seek protection thereof without limitation toother features disclosed in this specification.

The glazing bars may be arranged to support the panels on each sidethereof and obstructing means may be associated with each side of theglazing bar.

This may be embodied in a glazing bar assembly comprising an innerelongate member which has at least one shoulder for providing supportfor the inner face of an edge of a roofing panel and at least one outerelongate member which co-operates with the inner member and, in use,overlies an outer face of the roofing panel edge, means being associatedwith the inner member for obstructing lifting of the panel independentlyof the outer member(s) in such a way as to maintain the panel captiveagainst lifting from the inner member after the outer member has beenremoved.

Features which may pertain to the obstructing means include one or moreof the following, which features may, where the context admits, beemployed in any combination and also in any combination with any one ormore of features a.-o. above.

-   a. said obstructing means comprises at least one channel-section    element for receiving a side edge of a panel.-   b. the channel-section element may be retained in place relative to    the inner member at a location or locations beneath the panel(s)    whereby external access to such location(s) is obstructed by the    presence of the panel.-   c. the channel-section element(s) may be of extruded form.-   d. the channel-section element(s) may be attachable to the inner    member.-   e. the panel-obstructing means may be coupled to the outer member.-   f. the point(s) of attachment may be located so as to be concealed    from access outboard of the panel(s).-   g. there may be a channel-section element associated with each side    of the glazing bar and the elements may be arranged to be coupled to    one another inboard of the panels.-   h. the inner member may be of generally T section with a central    stem which fits between the side edges of adjacent panels and a    cross-piece which underlies the and provides support for the panel    side edges, and the outer member may be of V-section and arranged to    be connected to the free end of the stem of the T section so that    the sides of the V project towards the cross-piece of the T and the    or each channel-section element may be arranged to fit between the    cross-piece of the inner member and the sides of the V with the    mouth of the channel presented laterally in a direction away from    the stem of the T.

A glazing bar having any one or more of features a.-h. aforesaid isconsidered to constitute another aspect of the invention and theapplicant reserves the right to seek protection thereof withoutlimitation to other features disclosed herein.

The enhanced security roof structure may have the following additionalfeatures which may be present in combination with one or more of theglazing bar features a.-o. above and/or one or more of features a to hof the obstructing means as specified above:

-   a. the end fitting may include a portion overlying one end of the    roofing panel and coupled to the eaves structure internally of the    outer face of the latter.-   b. the end fitting being connected to the eaves structure through    male and female connector parts which are arranged to be coupled    together by push insertion of the male part into the female part in    a direction transverse to the eaves structure in such a way that the    male part is captive against withdrawal in the opposite direction to    insertion. For the avoidance of doubt, the phrase “captive against    withdrawal” as used in this specification is not to be interpreted    in a strict literal sense irrespective of the force exerted in    attempting to withdraw the male part; rather it is to be interpreted    as meaning that withdrawal is not possible without damaging one or    other part or both, e.g. to the extent that it is no longer possible    to reassemble them together with the male part held captive within    the female part.-   c. the male part is rendered captive by a formation or formations    located in vicinity of the entry opening to the female part.-   d. the blocking formation(s) being provided on the female part.-   e. the blocking formation(s) being provided in the vicinity of the    entry opening of the female part.-   f. the male part includes a pair of oppositely directed wing    portions which can deflect towards one another to allow insertion    through an entry opening of the female part but which restore once    inserted and block withdrawal of the male part.-   g. the blocking action is implemented by co-operation between the    wing portions e.g. the free ends thereof, and the margins of the    entry opening or one or more formations provided in the vicinity of    the margins of the entry opening, e.g. in such a way as to prevent    deflection of the wing portions towards each other. Such formations    may be constituted by configuring the margins appropriately, e.g. by    configuring them so that they are in-turned. Additionally or    alternatively, the or each formation may be in the form of a lip,    nib or the like provided on the end fitting at a suitable location    in relation to the entry opening the margins of the entry opening in    such a way as to prevent deflection of the wing portions towards    each other.-   h. the margins are provided with lips, nibs or other blocking    formations within the interior of the female part.-   i. the end fitting includes a channel-defining portion at its    forward end for reception of the forward end of the panel(s).-   j. the male and female parts interfit in such a way as to permit the    end fitting to tilt at least about an axis generally parallel to the    longitudinal axis of the eaves structure.-   k. the male part is provided on the end fitting while the female    part is provided on the eaves structure or vice versa.-   l. the end fitting is of a plastics material, metal or metal alloy    (e.g. aluminium) and may be extruded.-   m. the male and female parts are of generally part-circular    configuration.-   n. the arrangement is such that the male part forms a knuckle    fitting within the female part which may be a socket associated with    the eaves structure.-   o. the male part has an arrowhead configuration.-   p. the part associated with the eaves structure is located on the    top wall thereof or at the junction between the top and the front    wall of the eaves structure.-   q. the part associated with the eaves structure is located on the    front wall thereof.-   r. the end fitting and eaves structure being coupled at one location    by a fulcrum arrangement so that the end fitting can be mounted in    different tilted attitudes with respect to the eaves structure.-   s. the end fitting being adapted to be coupled to the eaves    structure internally of the outer face of the latter and at a    location spaced from the fulcrum arrangement.-   t. the end fitting may include a channel-defining portion at its    forward end for reception of the forward end of the panel(s) and a    section which extends rearwardly between the panel(s) and the eaves    structure and is adapted to be engaged with the eaves structure on    the inboard side of the latter.-   u. the end fitting comprising a channel for location at the eaves    structure of the roofing structure and arranged to receive the    forward end of a roofing panel, a laterally projecting leg which    serves as a fulcrum to allow tilting or rocking of the end fitting    relative to the eaves structure so as to accommodate the pitch of    the roof, and a section extending rearwardly of the leg to provide a    limb which extends laterally in the same general direction as the    leg whereby the end fitting may be engaged with the eaves structure    at a location on the inboard side of the eaves structure.-   v. the fitting being provided with one or more projections for    co-operation with the eaves structure to allow the extent of the    tilting angle to be set.-   w. the fitting being provided with a formation for interfitting with    a generally complementary formation associated with the eaves    structure.-   x. the interfitting formations are of part-circular configuration    and the arrangement is such that the formation associated with the    fitting forms a knuckle fitting within a socket associated with the    eaves structure.-   y. the formation associated with the fitting is resiliently    deformable to allow it to be deformed for insertion into the    formation associated with the eaves structure.-   z. a weatherproofing member for co-operation with the eaves beam.

The end fitting is to be understood to constitute an invention in itsown right and the applicant reserves the right to seek protection forthe end fitting independently of the glazing bar features which preventlifting of the panels. Usually the other end of the roofing panel orpanels extend to a ridge structure part of which overlies that end ofthe roofing panel(s) and it will be seen that the end fittings inaccordance with the above aspects of present invention will affordsecurity against break-in even if the glazing bars are designed asdisclosed in British Patent Application No. 2347963 because both ends ofthe panel remain trapped at the ridge and eaves structures therebyobstructing any attempt to remove the panel(s).

In terms of the end fitting, the invention may reside in a roofingstructure comprising an eaves structure, glazing bars supported on theeaves structure, one or more roofing panels supported by the glazingbars and an end fitting including a portion overlying one end of theroofing panel, the end fitting being connected to the eaves structurethrough male and female connector parts which are arranged to be coupledtogether by push insertion of the male part into the female part in adirection transverse to the eaves structure in such a way that the malepart is captive against withdrawal in the opposite direction toinsertion.

In a modification, the aspect of the invention relating to end fittingsmay reside in a roofing structure comprising an eaves structure, glazingbars supported on the eaves structure, one or more roofing panelssupported by the glazing bars and an end fitting including a portionoverlying one end of the roofing panel, the end fitting and eavesstructure being coupled at one location by a fulcrum arrangement so thatthe end fitting can be mounted in different tilted attitudes withrespect to the eaves structure and the end fitting being adapted to becoupled to the eaves structure internally of the outer face of thelatter and at a location spaced from the fulcrum arrangement.

In another expression, this aspect of the invention may reside in an endfitting comprising a channel for location at the eaves structure of theroofing structure and arranged to receive the forward end of a roofingpanel, a laterally projecting leg which serves as a fulcrum to allowtilting or rocking of the end fitting relative to the eaves structure soas to accommodate the pitch of the roof, and a section extendingrearwardly of the leg to provide a limb which extends laterally in thesame general direction as the leg whereby the end fitting may be engagedwith the eaves structure at a location on the inboard side of the eavesstructure.

Eaves Beam and Cill/Framework Features

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the construction ofconservatories of the type in which glazed window frames are providedbetween an eaves beam and a cill, the eaves beam and the cill being inthe form of extruded profiles, e.g. of a metal such as aluminium oraluminium alloy or of a plastics material.

One of the problems associated with the fabrication of suchconservatories lies in the cutting of the extruded profiles to formcorner joints. This is generally done by mitring of adjacent sections ofthe extruded profile. To ensure accuracy, the cutting is often doneoff-site (e.g at factory premises) and the previously mitred profilesare then transported to the erection site.

This aspect of e present invention seeks to provide a conservatorydesign which eliminates the need for the production of mitred jointsbetween sections of the eaves beam and/or cill profiles.

This aspect of the invention consists in a conservatory frameworkcomprising an eaves structure from which the roof is supported and acill for mounting one or more window frames located below the eavesstructure, at least one corner and/or in-line joint in the eavesstructure being formed by a separate connector which interconnectsadjacent sections of the eaves structure and comprises a block havingside faces from which projections extend for reception within theprofile of the eaves structure.

This aspect of the invention also consists in a conservatory frameworkcomprising an eaves structure from which the roof is supported and acill for mounting one or more window frames located below the eavesstructure, at least one corner and/or in-line joint in the eavesstructure and the cill being formed by a separate connector whichinterconnects adjacent sections of the eaves structure and/or the cill,the eaves connector comprising a block having side faces from whichprojections extend for reception within the profile of the eavesstructure.

In this way, the need to mitre the profiled sections is eliminated.Instead, each profiled section maybe cut substantially at right anglesrelative to the length of the section and the connector may beconfigured to interconnect the profile sections at a predetermined anglerelative to each other.

The connector may be arranged to interfit with each profiled section insuch a way that the two components are telescopically interconnected,e.g. so that one component inserts into the other. For example, theconnector may have two angularly related projections each for receivingor reception in an end of one of the profiled sections.

A framework in accordance with this aspect invention may have any one ormore of the following features:

-   a. a load-transmitting member extends between at least one eaves    structure connector and a cill connector disposed below.-   b. a plurality of such load-transmitting members is provided and the    weight of the roof is transmitted by such members so that the window    frames in use are largely relieved from carrying the weight of the    roof.-   c. the connectors are adapted to locate the load-transmitting    members.-   d. the upper ends of the load-transmitting members are engaged in    recesses in the eaves structure connectors.-   e. the lower ends of the load-transmitting members are registered    with apertures in the cill connectors.-   f. at least one connector is a corner connector.-   g. at least one connector is a corner connector defining a right    angled corner.-   h. at least one connector is a corner connector defining an angle    greater than 90°.-   i. at least one connector is an in-line connector.

j. each connector and the adjacent section interengage with each otherwith one component received at least in part within the other.

-   k. said side faces are angularly related to one another so that    adjacent eaves sections are interconnected at an angle to one    another.-   l. the eaves structure and/or the cill is formed by an extruded    profile.-   m. the connector is a cill connector and has a profile which    generally corresponds to that of the adjacent cill sections.-   n. the cill sections engage within the cill connectors.-   o. the connectors are of plastics material.-   p. the eaves structure connector is adapted to mount a glazing bar    for tilting adjustment relative to the eaves structure.-   q. the eaves structure connector is provided with a channel for    tiltably receiving a component for coupling a glazing bar to the    eaves structure.-   r. the component comprises a bolt, the head of which is received    tiltably within the channel.-   s. the component comprises a mounting shoe for a glazing bar which    may have any one or more of the features disclosed below.    Glazing Bar Shoe Features

This aspect of the invention is applicable for example to glazed roofsof the type comprising panels, e.g. of glass or a plastics material suchas polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride, supported between glazing barswhich may be produced as extruded profiles. The glazing bars are coupledat one end to an eaves beam and extend upwardly to a fixing location atthe opposite end, usually a ridge structure of the roof.

To allow for the pitch of the roof, it is known to connect the lowerends of the glazing bars to the eaves beams in such a way that they canbe tilted to accommodate the desired roof pitch. In one knownarrangement as disclosed in British Patent Application No. 2347963, thelower ends of the glazing bars are coupled to the eaves beam by a bolthaving a head which is pivotally located in a channel forming part ofthe eaves beam.

This aspect of the present invention seeks to provide an improved meansfor coupling the glazing bars to an eaves beam which affords greaterflexibility during on-site installation.

The glazing bar mounting shoe constitutes an invention in its own rightand the applicant reserves the right to seek protection for the sameboth in combination with other features disclosed herein, including theeaves and cill features as disclosed above, and also independently ofsuch other features. The shoe serves to intergage with and locate oneend of a glazing bar, the shoe being adapted to be tiltably mounted onan eaves structure and the arrangement being such that the glazing baris insertable endwise into the shoe, the shoe including an end stopwhich limits the extent to which the bar is insertable into the shoe.The shoe may have one or more of the following features in anycombination admitted by the context:

-   a. the shoe and the bar slidably intergage one within the other.-   b. the bar is received within the shoe.-   c. the shoe and the bar interengage as a close fit (e.g. an    interference fit) so that the shoe and bar may remain interengaged    without the aid of a fastening means.-   d. the glazing bar is insertable endwise into the shoe.-   e. the shoe includes an end stop which limits the extent to which    the bar is insertable into the shoe.-   f. the shoe is of channel-section.-   g. the shoe is of channel-section and in which the bar is insertable    into the shoe through one end of the channel.-   h. the glazing bar comprises an inner T-shaped member comprising a    cross-piece and a central stem.-   i. the inner member is insertable endwise into the channel-section    shoe in such a way that the cross-piece is trapped within the    channel and the stem of the T projects through an open mouth of the    channel.-   j. the cross-piece is trapped in the channel by a flange or flanges    bounding the mouth of the channel.-   k. the glazing bar comprises an inner member and an outer member    attachable to the inner member and in which the shoe includes means    for preventing separation of the outer member from the inner member    at the lower end thereof when the glazing bar is engaged with the    shoe in the normal position of use.-   l. the separation-preventing means comprises an projection    co-operating with the outer member when the glazing bar is engaged    with the shoe.-   m. means is provided for use in fastening the glazing bar to the    shoe to prevent separation of the bar from the shoe.-   n. such means is external to the channel.-   o. the channel is provided with an end plate to limit insertion of    the bar and in which bracing plates are provided for use in    connection of the end plate to the channel.-   p. the bracing plates form the means for use in fastening the bar to    the shoe.-   q. the shoe includes a projection for co-operation with a socket    associated with the eaves structure or eaves structure connector to    allow tilting of the shoe and hence a glazing bar coupled to the    shoe.-   r. the projection includes a portion having a curvilinear outer    surface for co-operation with the socket.-   s. the curvilinear portion of the projection is generally    cup-shaped.-   t. the projection includes a generally cylindrical or generally    part-cylindrical portion for engagement within the socket.

In another expression of this aspect of the invention, the eavesstructure connector may comprise a block for interposition betweenadjacent eaves beam sections and having means for interengagement withadjacent eaves beam sections, means for tiltably mounting a glazing barand means for registry with a load-transmitting member for transferringthe weight of a roof supported from the eaves structure to said member.

Such an eaves structure connector may be used in combination with aglazing bar-mounting shoe tiltably engageable with the connector.

Also, this aspect of the invention may reside in a corner, in-line orend connector for use with an eaves beam structure or a cill, theconnector being adapted to interfit with a non-mitred end of an extrudedeaves beam or cill profile (which may of closed or open configuration)so as extend beyond the end of the profile and provide means forlocation of load-transmitting components associated with the eaves beamand/or cill.

Such a connector may have two projections which are in-line or angularlyrelated and serve to interconnect adjaent eaves beam or cill sections.

The connector may comprise an end connector having a single projectionfor coupling with the end of an eaves beam or cill profile.

In a framework as defined above, the eaves structure and/or cill mayterminate in an end connector as defined in the preceding paragraph.

Coupling of Ridge Cap to Ridge Structure

This aspect of the invention relates to roof structures, especially forconservatories and is particularly concerned with the coupling of aridge cap to a ridge structure.

In a known roof ridge structure for a glazed roof (see UK Patent No.2284836), a ridge cap is secured to the ridge structure by rigid boltswhich have heads engaging in a channel on the underside of the ridge capand which pass through openings in the roof structure to allow the capto be secured place by nuts.

This arrangement requires the ridge cap to be located in place at theapex of the ridge structure and the bolts registered with the cap andthe ridge structure after the roofing panels have been put in place,making it necessary for the installer to get on to the roof to positionthe ridge cap accurately and register the bolts with the cap and withapertures in the ridge structure to allow the nuts to be connected tothe bolts from a location below the ridge structure.

This aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a more flexiblecoupling of the ridge cap to the ridge structure which does notnecessarily require the installer to get on to the roof in order tocomplete fitting of the ridge cap.

This aspect of the present invention resides in a ridge assembly for aroof comprises a ridge structure, a ridge cap for fitting atop the ridgestructure, the ridge cap having a channel at its underside, and at leastone fastener having an enlarged part for reception and retention in thechannel, the fastener comprising a flexible tie by means of which thecap can be secured from beneath the ridge structure by a locking memberco-operating with the tie.

The tie may have one or more of the following features in anycombination where the context admits:

-   a. the enlarged portion of the fastener is insertable as a push fit    through the mouth of the the channel in such a way that the enlarged    portion is held captive against withdrawal through the channel    mouth.-   b. lateral projections may be provided which are resiliently    deflectable to allow the enlarged head to contract as it is pushed    into the channel.-   c. the enlarged portion is of arrowhead configuration.-   d. the enlarged portion is designed so that in one orientation it    passes substantially freely through the channel mouth but when    turned to a second orientation it is rendered captive against    withdrawal through channel mouth.-   e. the tie is provided with a series of formations along its length    which coact with the locking member in ratchet fashion as the    locking member is displaced in one direction along the tie, the    ratchet arrangement preventing reversal of such displacement.-   f. the locking member includes a release member to disable the    ratchet action and allow reverse displacement of the locking member.-   g. the locking member is arranged so that in one orientation    relative to the tie it co-operates with the ratchet formations but    in a second orientation it is clear of the ratchet formations and is    free to be displaced along the tie away from the enlarged portion.-   h. the tie is produced in a length somewhat longer than needed for    securing it in place. This allows the ties to be coupled to the    ridge cap and then passed through apertures in the ridge structure    during construction of the roof so that the ends of the tie are    accessible from beneath the ridge structure before the cap is    located in its final position.

The various aspects of the invention will now be described by way ofexample only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Hipped Roof Features

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one end of a conservatory roof showing anumber of panel-supporting bars radiating from the ridge end;

FIG. 2 is a side view showing coupling of one supporting bar to theridge structure, with the ridge structure and supporting bar sectionsalso illustrated; and

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a bar and connector.

Security Features of Roof Structure

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a glazing barassembly in accordance with the present invention shown in conjunctionwith two glazing panels, the glazing bar assembly being arranged to trapthe side edges of the panels in such a way as to hinder an intruderattempting to break in by removing the roofing panels;

FIGS. 2A and 3A are similar views to that of FIG. 1A but showingmodifications thereof;

FIGS. 4A to 8A each show a cross-sectional view through additionalembodiments of a glazing bar in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a sectional view through the eaves structure of a pitchedconservatory roof, illustrating one form of end fitting;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second form of endfitting;

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third form of endfitting.

FIG. 12A is a similar view to that of FIG. 10A, illustrating anotherform of end fitting;

FIG. 13A is a sectional view illustrating a further form of end fitting;and

FIG. 14A is a sectional view illustrating yet another form of endfitting.

Eaves Beam and Cill/Framework and Glazing Bar Shoe Features

FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic line drawing showing part of a conservatoryframework from a side elevation;

FIG. 2B is a corresponding plan view of the conservatory framework;

FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic plan view of the roof structure of analternative design;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of one form of connector block for use inmaking joints at corner of the eaves beam structure of the form shown inFIGS. 1B and 2B;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of one form of connector block for use inmaking in-line joints in the eaves beam structure;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a connector block for use in makingjoints at corner of the eaves beam structure shown in FIG. 3B;

FIGS. 7B and 8B perspective views of cill corner connectors for use atthe corners of the conservatory frameworks shown in FIGS. 1B and 3Brespectively;

FIG. 9B is a diagrammatic side elevation showing a glazing bar mountingshoe for assembly to a corner or in-line eaves beam connector of thepresent invention or directly to the eaves beams themselves;

FIG. 10B is a diagrammatic end view of the shoe of FIG. 9, also showingthe profile of the inner member of the glazing bar;

FIGS. 11B and 12B are diagrammatic perspective views of alternativeforms of shoe;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of an eaves beam extruded profile;and

FIG. 14B is a diagrammatic perspective view of an assembly comprising aneaves beam end connector, a cill end connector and a load-transmittingpost.

Coupling of Ridge Cap to Ridge Structure

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the ridge of a roof incorporatingone embodiment of a ridge assembly in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2C is a fragmentary enlarged view of the upper part of the viewshown in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 3C is a fragmentary enlarged view of the lower part of the viewshown in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the tie for securing the cap to theridge structure;

FIGS. 5Ca-5Cf are different views of a locking member for use with thetie.

HIPPED ROOF FEATURES

Referring to the FIGS. 1 to 3 of the drawings, the hipped roof sectionof a conservatory roof comprises a number of elongated, panel-supportingbars 10 which are linked to the ridge structure 12 by means ofconnectors 14 which engage with a mounting element 16 of arcuateconfiguration located at the end of the ridge structure. The ridgestructure 12 and the supporting bars 10 are typically produced asextrusions with the cross-sections illustrated in FIG. 2.

The bars 10 extend between the ridge structure 12 and an eaves beam (notshown) and roofing panels 18 (see FIG. 2) are supported between adjacentpairs of bars. The roofing panels are typically in the form ofpolycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride or glass, each panel being supportedat its edges by the bars 10.

Each bar 10 comprises an inner member 20 and an outer member 22 eitherof both of which may be manufactured as aluminium extrusions. The panels18, in use, are trapped between the inner and outer members 20, 22 andextend from the eaves beam to a point proximate the ridge end. The innermember 20 is generally T-shaped comprising a central portion 24 and across-piece 26 which has upwardly directed flanges 28 forming shoulderson which the inner faces at the panel edges of the panels 18 can seat.The construction and design of the bars 10 may be as described in detailin other embodiments disclosed herein. For present purposes, a notablefeature of the inner member 20 is the provision of channels 27 formed bythe cross-piece 26 and flanges 28, which channels serve as drainagechannels in circumstances where ingress of water might occur despite theuse of seals associated with the inner and outer members 20, 22.

The mounting element 16 in the illustrated embodiment is in the form ofa generally semi-circular ring 30 (a D-shaped ring) which is secured tothe ridge structure 12 by plate 32. Each bar 10 is linked to the D-ring30 by the connectors 14, one of which is illustrated in detail in FIGS.2 and 3. Each connector 14 may be produced as a plastics moulding from asuitably robust material for the purpose and comprises a first rearwardsection 40 which is insertable into the two-part bar 10 in such a waythat the central portion 24 of the bar enters a central channel 42 ofthe section 40, the section 40 being apertured so that the connector canbe fastened securely, e.g. by nuts and bolts 44 a, b, to the centralportion 24 in such a way that the connector 14 then forms a continuationof the bar 10. This arrangement allows the bars 10 to be square cut,thereby simplifying fabrication.

The connector further includes an intermediate section 46 and a forwardsection 48 which is angularly related to the rearward section 40 andterminates in a downwardly directed hook-like formation 50 forengagement with the D-ring 30 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1. Toensure that the formation 50 is securely anchored to the D-ring, itsopen end may be bridged by a screw or other fastener 52 to eliminate anyrisk of the formation becoming accidentally disengaged from the D-ring30. If desired, the arrangement may be such that the fastener 52, whentightened, causes the sides of the formation 50 to deform so as to gripthe D-ring.

The intermediate section 42 is provided with location means comprisingspaced flanges 56, 58 projecting laterally of each side face of theconnector and also upwardly relative to the top of the connector. Whenthe connector section 40 is fully inserted into the bar 10, the end ofthe bar abuts against the flange 56. The flanges 56, 58 define channelson each side of the connector for the location of strips 60 of sealingmaterial, e.g. a resilient foam material so that the strips can seat onthe panels 18 and at least substantially bridge the gap between theupper faces of the panels 18 and the underside of an overlying, externalcap 62 (shown in broken outline in FIG. 2) associated with the ridgestructure 12. It will be seen that the channels formed by spaced flanges56, 58 locate and retain the end edges of the strips 60 which may besquare cut as illustrated or, alternatively, may be shaped so as toextend across the connectors.

The lower edge of the strips 60 are intended to make sealing contactwith the panels. If desired, the seal may be enhanced by the applicationof a mastic or other sealing material which can be applied as a beadalong the junction between the strips 60 and the roof panels. The upperedges of the strips 60 may also make sealing contact with the undersideof the cap 62 although this is not essential as a small gap may betolerated athtis point because the main source of rainwater ingress willtend to be by way of water driven up the panels faces by the wind andthis will be intercepted at the junction between the strips and thepanels.

To avoid having to specially shape the end edges of strips 60 andthereby simplify fabrication, the flanges 56 may be overmoulded with aflexible gasket 66, the upper edge of which is designed to contactagainst the underside of the cap 62 and deform downwardly when the capis located in place to provide sealing at that location. In this way,the relatively small gaps above the connectors 14 are effectively sealedby the gaskets 66. The downward deflection of the gaskets 66 may be inthe forward direction, ie. towards the edge 63 of the cap 62.

It will be noted that the strips 60 are located at the forward openingof the gap between the panels and the cap 62 thereby intercepting

As well as serving to connect the bars 10 to the ridge structure 12 andalso locate the sealing strips 60, the connectors 14 additionallyprovide a drainage facility if and when needed. To this end, eachconnector is provided on each side with a lateral wing-shaped extension70 on which the roofing panel edges seat in the proximity of the ridgeend. The extensions form channels 72 which, when the connector is fittedto a supporting bar 10 merge, and desirably overlap to some extent, withthe channels 27 associated with the cross-piece 26 of the inner member20. The extensions 70 are formed with overmoulded gaskets' 72 forsealing contact with the underside of the panels 18. Any water thatmight penetrate through the gap between the roofing panels 18 and theconnectors 14 is collected by the channels 72 and, by gravity, isdirected into the channels 27 and along the length of the bars todrainage points at the lower ends of the bars.

The flanges 56, 58 and/or the extensions 70 may be integrally formedwith the connectors 14. Alternatively, these components may be formedseparately from the connector as part of a component or componentsadapted to fitted to the connector.

Security Features of Roof Structure

FIGS. 1A to 14A illustrate embodiments of the present inventioninvolving the provision of security means for preventing lifting of theroofing panels of for instance a conservatory by trapping both the sideedges and/or the lower ends of the panels in a manner which severelyhinders any attempt by a would-be intruder to effect break-in by liftingthe roofing panels. Even if the would-be intruder succeeds in disablingthe means trapping the side edges of a panel, the means trapping thelower ends of the panel also have to be contended with (or vice versa).

Referring to FIG. 1A, the glazing bars 10 according to the illustratedembodiment of the security aspect of the present invention are typicallyused in the construction of a glazed conservatory roof with each glazingbar extending between a ridge structure and an eaves beam. Glazingroofing panels 12 are supported by the glazing bar and are typically inthe form of polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride or glass, each panel beingsupported at its edges by the glazing bars.

Each glazing bar 10 comprises an inner member 14 and an outer member 16either of both of which may be manufactured as aluminium extensions. Asused herein, “inner” and “outer” refer to the location of the componentsrelative to the roofing structure. The inner member 14 is generallyT-shaped comprising a central portion 18 and a cross-piece 20 which hasupwardly directed flanges 22 forming shoulders 24 on which the innerfaces at the panel edges 26 of the panels 12 can seat. The panels 12 mayseat directly on the shoulders 24 or indirectly via interposed seals(not shown). The central portion 18 comprises a deep channel formed bytwo upstanding spaced apart walls 30.

The cross-piece 20 may in use be concealed on the internal side of theglazing bar in known fashion by a cladding section or sections ofplastics material, aluminium or wood for example, the claddingsection(s) being attachable to the inner member. The cladding section(s)may be provided with the seals on which the panels seat. FIG. 2Aillustrates one form of cladding comprising a channel-section 50 havinglips 52 which snap fit into grooves 54 formed in the flanges 22. Theprofile of the section 50 is generally the same as the cross-piece 20.In this embodiment, the flanges are shown as extending generallyvertically but they need not necessarily do so. The cladding section 50is also provided with seals 56 (e.g. co-extruded seals) for makingsealing contact with the inner surfaces of the roofing panels.

The outer member 16 is generally V-shaped having downwardly directedlegs 32 which extend from each side of a central section 34. The legs 32together with the flanges 22 form openings which receive the edgeportions 26 of the panels. The legs 32 may contact the outer face of thepanels directly or indirectly via unshown seals (not shown). A main pairof walls 36 extend inwardly from the central section 34 and define achannel which, when the inner and outer members are assembled togetheras shown, interfits in telescoping fashion with the channel defined bythe walls 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel associated withthe outer member 16 receives the channel-forming walls 30 associatedwith the inner member 14; however, the arrangement could be reversed.

The central section 34 is also provided with a housing 38 formed byspaced walls 40 having inwardly directed lips 42 which serve to trap thehead(s) of one or more bolts 44. The bolt heads may be introducedthrough open ends of housing 38 at the ends of the outer member 16. Thebolts 44 are of sufficient length to extend inwardly through the channeldefined by walls 30 and through and beyond drilled holes in thecross-piece 20 so that the inner and outer members 14, 16 can be coupledtogether by tightening of a nut 46 threaded on to the inner end of thebolt 44. In this manner, the inner and outer members 14, 16 may be drawntogether on opposite sides of the panels 12 to firmly locate the panelsand secure good sealing via interposed seals. Usually the inner andouter members will be coupled together by bolt and nut sets 44, 46 attwo or more locations along the length of the glazing bar. The seals mayco-extruded with the profiles forming inner and outer members 14, 16 orthey may be bonded thereto.

It will be observed that, when the roofing structure has been assembled,the fastening means formed by the bolt and nut 44, 46 firmly secure theinner and outer members together and afford effective resistance to theouter member 16 being detached from the inner member 14 merely bylevering the outer member upwardly as is readily possible with theplastics connector used in the assembly shown in GB Patent No. 2347963.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bolt head is captive with the outermember 16 while the nut co-operates with the underside of the innermember 14. In a modification, the nut may be captive within the housing38 and the bolt head may co-operate with the underside of the innermember.

In another modification, the outer member may be provided with anextension corresponding to the housing 38 which projects into closeproximity with the cross-piece so that the inner and outer members maybe coupled together by a fastener such as a self-tapping screw 60 whichengages in, for instance, a suitable aperture provided in the lower endof the extension. This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3A.

In a further modification, instead of the outer member being a singlecomponent as illustrated in the drawing, it may consist of twocomponents extending laterally and downwardly from opposite sides of thecentral stem portion 18, in which case the arrangement may be such thatthe inner member is coupled to one or both of the outer members by acoupling arrangement which is not accessible from the external side ofthe roofing structure.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the glazing bar 110 may comprises an inner member114 and an outer member 116 either or both of which may be manufacturedas aluminium or plastics extrusions. The inner member 114 is generallyT-shaped comprising a central stem portion 118 and a cross-piece 120which has upwardly directed flanges 122 forming shoulders 124 providingsupport for the the inner faces at the panel side edges. In its normalposition of use, the inner member is inverted with the free end of thestem portion 118 uppermost.

The outer member 116 is generally V-shaped having downwardly directedlegs 132 which extend from each side of a central section 134. The legs132 together with the flanges 122 form openings which receive the sideedge portions of the panels. The legs 132 may contact the outer face ofthe panels via seals 135. The outer member is releasably coupled to theinner member by reception of inward exension 137 which may be bifurcatedwithin a channel 139 at the free end of the stem p 118. The extension137 may be integral with the outer member or it may be a separatelyformed components which is secured to the outer member. The channel 139may be provided with formations such as internal ribs for co-operationwith projections on the extension 137 in order to provide resistance toseparation of the outer member 116 from the inner member 114.

Thus far, the glazing bar construction is generally similar to thatdisclosed in British Patent Application No. 2347963. With such anarrangement, it will be seen that once the outer member is removed bylevering it away from the inner member, the side edges of the panels arethen free thus enabling the panels to be lifted and allowing entry to begained by an intruder.

In contrast with the glazing bar construction of British PatentApplication No. 2347963, the glazing bar forming the embodiments ofFIGS. 5A to 9A of the present invention are each provided with meanswhich, with respect to lifting of the panels, serve to render the panels112 captive with the inner member 114 in such a way that such meanscannot be easily released even after the outer member has been removed.

In FIG. 4A, such means comprise a pair of side edge retainers 140 eachof which may be in the form of a plastics or aluminium extrusion. Eachretainer 140 comprises a channel 142 defined by base 144 and side walls146, 148 for receiving a panel side edge as illustrated. Each retainer140 is designed for assembly to the inner member 114 in such a way thatthe channel 142 fits within the gap between the inner and outer memberswith its base 144 proximate the central stem portion 118. The wall 146has a depending L-shaped leg 150 which extends around one side of thecross-piece 120 for connection, via coupling 152, to the leg 150 of theother retainer. The coupling 152, which may be of a releasable nature,is located on the internal side of the glazing bar and is not thereforeaccessible from the exterior when the panels 112 are in place. Thecoupling 152 may take various forms, e.g. it may be in the form ofinterfitting snap engageable elements associated one with each of theretainers or it may comprise a fastener securing the the two retainerstogether. Once the two retainers are coupled together and the panel sideedges received within the channels 142, it will be seen that each panel(located between a pair of such glazing bars) is rendered captive to theinner member independently of the outer member so far as lifting of thepanel is concerned.

The retainers 140 may be assembled to the side edges of each panel 112prior to placement of the panel on the inner members 114 duringconstruction of the conservatory or like building. The panel plusretainers is positioned on the inner members and the legs 150 of theretainers can be flexed appropriately to allow them to pass over thecross-piece 120 and then brought together secured by the coupling 152.This method of fitting is particularly applicable where the retainersare of an adequately flexible material such as a suitable plastics. Analternative method of assembly involves initially fitting the retainers40 to the inner member and then registering the panels with the channels142 at one end of the inner member and sliding the panels into position.Once the panels have been located, the outer members are connected tothe inner members by engagement of the extensions 137 with the channels139.

Each retainer may also co-operate with the outer member if desired insuch a way that the outer member is linked to the retainers and hence tothe inner member independently of the interconnection afforded by theextension 137 and channel 139. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A and also theother embodiments described below, this may be implemented by theprovision of a a flange 154 projecting upwardly from the wall 148 forcoupling to the legs 32. Such coupling may for instance compriseinterlocking barbs 156, 158 which automatically lock as the outer memberis pushed towards the inner member, e.g. so that the barb 156 on theflange 154 slides past and then engages with the barb 158 on the leg132, this being aided by the ability of the flange 154 to flexresiliently to a sufficient degree.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the retainers 140 are coupled to eachother at the underside of the inner member. However, the manner in whichthe retainers are located and secured can vary as illustrated by thevariants illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 9A which are not to be considered asexhaustive. In FIGS. 6A to 9A, the same reference numerals are used todepict those parts which have counterparts in FIG. 4.

In FIG. 5A, each retainer 140 is held in place by engagement of theL-shaped leg 150 with the underside of the cross-piece 120 rather thanby coupling with the other retainer. The engagement between the leg 150and the cross-piece is obtained by means of formations 160, 162 whichare automatically brought into engagement as the retainer is assembledto the inner member with the formation 160 snapping over the formation162 by virtue of flexing of the end portion of the leg 150. Theformations 160 and 162 may be uncoupled from each other by pulling theend portion of the leg 150 away from the cross-piece.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the retainers 140 serve to conceal theinner member 114 and may in addition to their retaining feature alsofunction as a cladding to conceal the inner member on the inner side ofthe roofing structure. For this purpose, the retainers 140 may beproduced as plastics, aluminium or wood sections. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5A and other embodiments to be described below, the retainers 140may only partially conceal the inner member and, if desired, in theseembodiments, cladding section or sections additional to the retainers140 may be provided to conceal the cross-piece 120 may in use beconcealed on the internal side of the glazing bar in known fashion, suchcladding section(s) being of plastics material, aluminium or wood forexample and being attachable to the inner member 114 and/or to theretainers 140. For this purpose, the retainers and cladding section(s)may be provided with means for enabling the cladding section(s) to besecured in place, e.g. by snap engagement. The cladding section(s) maybe provided with the seals on which the panels seat.

In FIG. 6A, the legs 150 co-operate with the underside of the flangesforming the shoulders 124. In this case, the coupling of the retainers140 to the cross-piece 120 may be purely by virtue of the end portionsof the legs 150 being trapped below the shoulder-defined flanges or theretainers may be coupled to the cross-piece by a suitable fasteningarrangement (not shown). In this embodiment, the gap between theunderside of the roofing panels and the shoulders 124 may be taken up bythe previously mentioned cladding section(s) and/or seals associatedtherewith.

In FIG. 7A, instead of depending L-shaped legs, the wall 146 is providedwith a projection 161 which engages with a groove in the shoulder 124,e.g as a snap fit. In FIG. 8A, the end portions of the legs 150 (againnot L-shaped) are coupled at 162 to the upwardly directed legs 122 ofthe cross-piece. Such coupling may be by way of snap-engaging featuresor other fastening arrangements such as self-tapping screws.

As described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the retainers140 in each of the embodiments of FIGS. 5A to 8A may be fitted to theside edges of the panels and then engaged with the inner member onplacement of the panels between an adjacent pair of inner members oralternatively the retainers may be fitted to the inner members prior toplacement of the panels. In the latter case, placement of the panels mayinvolve registering them with the channels 142 at the eaves ends of theinner members and then sliding the panels upwardly to the desiredposition.

Referring now to FIG. 9A, a pitched conservatory roof comprises a numberof spaced glazing bars (not shown, but which are of the form describedwith reference to FIGS. 1A to 3A) between which polycarbonate or likeroofing panels 210 are supported along their edges. The glazing barsextend between a ridge structure (not shown) and a box section eavesstructure 212 which may be manufactured as an aluminium or aluminiumalloy extrusion. The panels are supported with their ends overhangingthe eaves structure 212 to drain into guttering (not shown). The eavesstructure 212 surmounts a side of the conservatory.

Associated with the lower or forward ends of the panels 210 is an endfitting 214 which may be manufactured as a plastics extrusion or a metalextrusion such as an aluminium or aluminium alloy extrusion. The endfitting 214 has at its forward end a channel 216 having a rearwardlydirected open mouth for reception of the forward ends of the panels 210.The channel 216 is defined by a base 218 which closes the open end ofthe polycarbonate panel, a wall 220 which overlies the marginal edges atthe lower ends of the panels 210 and a lower wall 222 which underliesthe lower end of the panel. In this manner, the end fitting co-operateswith the lower panel edges extending between adjacent glazing bars. Thewall 222 may serve as a thermal break in that it prevents directexposure of the overhanging portions of the inner faces of the panels.

The fitting includes a downwardly directed leg 224 which projectslaterally from the wall 222, e.g. at an angle of 90 degrees, forengagement with the top wall of the eaves structure 212 so as to act asa fulcrum about which the fitting can tilt or rock about an axisparallel to the axis of elongation of the end fitting (i.e.perpendicular to the plane of the paper as viewed in FIG. 1A) toaccommodate the pitch of the roof. The leg 224 also serves as a closurefor the gap between the underside of the panel 210 and the top of theeaves structure 212.

An L-section shaped portion 226 extends rearwardly of the leg 224 andincludes a laterally projecting limb 228 which is spaced from andextends downwardly in generally parallel relation with the leg 224 forco-operation with the rear of the eaves structure. The limb 228 isintended to be fastened to the eaves structure so as to locate the endfitting 214. To this end, the limb 228 and the rear of the eavesstructure may be drilled to receive a self-tapping screw to firmlysecure the end fitting in place. It will be noted that the attachment ofthe end fitting 214 to the eaves structure 212 is located interiorly andcannot be accessed from the exterior when the roof panels are in place.

To facilitate tilting of the end fitting according to requirements, thelimbs 28 may be provided with a number of forwardly directed projections230 for co-operation with a flange 232 projecting rearwardly from theeaves structure. As shown in FIG. 9A, the flange 232 is located betweenthe uppermost and intermediate projections 230 but it will be understoodthat the angle of tilt of the end fitting can be increased by arrangingit so that the flange 232 is located between the intermediate and lowerprojections 230. In the illustrated embodiment, three such projectionsare provided; by using a larger number of projections and/or a differentspacing between adjacent projections, the incremental change in thetilting angle may be modified as desired.

FIG. 10A illustrates a modification in which like parts are depicted bythe same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the limb 228 is notprovided with projections 230 as in FIG. 9A. In this case, the limb 228is simply connected, e.g. by means of a screwthreaded fastener, to theeaves structure after it has been tilted to the appropriate angle aboutthe leg 224. In FIG. 10A, it will be noted that the upper wall 220 isdownwardly inclined so that insertion of the panel into the channel 216involves some flexure of the wall 220 which may then bear against thepanel. This feature may also be present in the embodiment of FIG. 9A ifdesired.

FIG. 1A illustrates another modification using the same referencenumerals as in FIG. 9A to identify like parts. In this embodiment, theleg 224 terminates in a knuckle-shaped formation 236 which is adaptedfor reception in a channel 240 of the eaves structure (see FIG. 9A) insuch a way that the formation 236 can pivot or rotate in the channel 240to afford the tilting action necessary to accommodate the pitch of theroof. As illustrated, the knuckle 236 and the channel 240 are ofpart-circular section for this purpose. To facilitate insertion of theknuckle 236 into the channel, it may be hollow and interrupted, as shownat 242, so that it can be deformed sufficiently for insertion as a pushfit into the channel 240 and then spring back to its original shapeespecially where the end fitting is of a plastics material. In otherinstances, the knuckle 236 may be introduced from one end of the channel240 and slid to the desired location. As described below with referenceto the embodiments of FIGS. 12A to 14A, where the knuckle 236 ispush-inserted into the channel 240, a formation or formations may beprovided in the vicinity of the entry opening of the channel so as toblock withdrawal of the knuckle.

Referring now to FIG. 12A, in this embodiment the end fitting includes adownwardly directed leg 324 which is formed with a spigot 326 which isgenerally wing-shaped or of arrow head configuration for engagement in asocket 328 located adjacent the forward corner at the top of the eavesstructure 212, the arrangement being such that the fitting can tilt orrock about an axis parallel to the axis of elongation of the eavesstructure (i.e. perpendicular to the plane of the paper as viewed inFIG. 12A) to accommodate the pitch of the roof. The leg 324 may alsoserve as a closure for the gap between the underside of the panel 210and the top of the eaves structure 212.

The spigot 326 comprises a pair of wing portions 330 projecting toeither side of the leg 324. Assembly of the spigot 326 to the socket 328involves push insertion of the spigot 326 through a slot-shaped opening332 forming the mouth of the socket 328. To this end, the wing portions330 have some degree of flexibility such that they close up duringinsertion through the opening 332 and then spring back or restore to theconfiguration illustrated once fully inserted into the socket. Althoughthe spigot may be readily inserted into the socket, once the parts havebeen assembled the spigot is then captive against withdrawal through theopening by virtue of expansion of the wing portions 330 to theillustrated configuration. To ensure that withdrawal is blocked, themarginal edges of the opening 332 may be turned inwardly or providedwith inwardly projecting lips or other formations which co-operate withthe free ends of the wing portions 330 to trap the spigot. In FIG. 12A,these formations are illustrated as nibs 350 which, in the event of anyattempt to pull out the spigot 326, co-operate with the free edges ofthe wing portions 330 to block withdrawal.

In the modification of FIG. 13A, the wing portions are configured sothat the spigot 326 is of arrowhead configuration and the marginal edgesof the opening 332 are inwardly turned at 334 to co-operate with thewing portions 330 and thereby block withdrawal of the spigot once it hasbeen push inserted into the socket.

In the embodiment of FIG. 14A, the spigot and socket are generally ofthe same configuration as shown in FIG. 12A but the socket in this caseis located partway down the front wall 212A of the eaves structure.

Although the arrangement can be such that the spigot cannot be withdrawnfrom the socket in a direction tranverse to the longitudinal axis of theeaves structure (at least not without damage to the spigot and/or thesocket), it will be appreciated that because the eaves structure isusually an extruded component with the socket extending along the fullextent of its length, the end fitting may be uncoupled from the eavesstructure by sliding it along the eaves structure to the end of thelatter.

In each embodiment, the wall 222 may be provided with spacing elementssuch as ribs to space the underside of the roof panel from the wall 222to permit water drainage in the event of water ingress into the channel216. If desired, the channel, e.g. the wall 222, may be provided withoutlet holes to allow drainage of any water into the guttering.

The end fittings in each case will typically be cut to length (from anextruded profile) to correspond with the spacing between adjacentglazing bars, although the possibility of using an end fitting of alength sufficient to span the width of two or more roofing panels is notexcluded nor is the possibility of using end fittings which are somewhatnarrower than the spacing between adjacent glazing bars.

The ridge structure includes a part which overlies the upper ends of thepanels with the consequence that lifting of the upper ends is prevented.If the security afforded by the glazing bars is in some way breached,the use of an end fitting according to the present invention serves totrap the lower end of each panel thereby preventing the lower end of thepanel being lifted and a would-be intruder is further hindered by thefact that the fixture of the end fitting is located interiorly and isnot therefore accessible without damaging the roofing panel therebycreating noise which could alert others to the intruder's activity.

In a modification of the illustrated embodiments, the end fitting may beprovided with a downwardly depending leg located forwardly of thefulcrum and forming a closure or weatherproofing member which covers thegap between the underside of the roofing panels and the forward face ofthe eaves beam. This is depicted in phantom outline by reference numeral50 in the embodiment of FIG. 9A but it will be appreciated that it mayalso be incorporated in other embodiments of the invention. Theweatherproofing member 250 may be of a flexible nature so that,regardless of the angle of tilt of the end fitting, it makes sealingcontact with a front surface of the eaves beam.

Where the end fitting is fabricated as a metal extrusion, it mayincorporate a thermal break between the fulcrum and the remainder of theend fitting, e.g. between the leg 224 or 324 and the lower wall 222.

Eaves Beam and Cill/Framework and Glazing Bar Shoe Features

Referring firstly to FIGS. 1B and 2B, a conservatory in accordance withthis aspect of the invention typically comprises a load-bearing wall 100carrying a cill 102 above which a roof structure 104 is supported withglazed window frames (not shown) located between the cill 102 and aneaves beam 106 (also commonly referred to as the ring beam) of the roofstructure. The roof structure comprises a ridge 108 and glazing bars 110extending between the ridge 108 and sections of the eaves beam whichextend around the sides of the conservatory. The glazing bars 110 serveto support roofing panels, e.g. of glass polycarbonate orpolyvinylchloride, extending from the ridge 108 and overhanging theeaves beam sections 106. The eaves beam 106 and the cill 102 eachcomprise extruded profiles of for example aluminium or an aluminiumalloy.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 2B, the eaves beam and thecill are each made up of a number of sections cut from the respectiveextruded profiles and joints between adjacent sections are shown atlocations E1, E2 and C1, C2, E1 and C1 being corner joints and E2 and C2being intermediate joints between in-line sections of the extrudedprofiles. Typically, in a 3 segment-fronted conservatory design as shownin FIGS. 1B and 2B, the internal angles at joints E1 and C1 will beabout 135°. Where the design is a 5 segment-fronted conservatory, theinternal angles at joints E1, C1 will be about or 150°. In a design suchas that shown in FIG. 3B, the eaves beam and cill joints may be of thein-line type corresponding to E2, C2 and the corner joints may be rightangled.

Currently the practice is to produce the joints by mitring the adjacentsections of the extruded profiles forming the eaves beam and the cill,which is time consuming and requires a significant degree of accuracy incutting if well-fitting joints are to be achieved. For this reason, thesections of the extruded profiles are usually cut to size and mitredoff-site and then delivered to the construction site. Also, in currentdesigns, the weight of the roof structure is largely transmitted fromthe eaves beam to the cill and hence to the load-bearing wall 100through the glazed window frames which are often fabricated fromextruded PVC profiles. In accordance with the present invention, mitringof the joints between the adjacent sections of the extruded profiles iseliminated by employing separate connectors which provide the cornerjoints or in-line joints of the eaves beam and/or the cill and “squaringoff” the ends of the extruded profiles by cutting them substantially atright angles to the length of the profile.

One example of a corner connector for the joints E1 in the eaves beamstructure is shown in FIG. 4B and will be seen to comprise a block 120having inner and outer faces 122 and 124 corresponding to the angle ofthe joint and side faces 126 which are angularly related so as toconform with the angle required. For example, the faces 126 of the blockmay be at an angle of 135 or 150° relative to each other. Each face 126is provided with a projection 128 which is configured to interfit withthe eaves beam profile.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the projections 128 are of generally squareconfiguration and, as such, are appropriate for insertion into an eavesbeam profile including a corresponding cross-section. However, it willbe understood that the internal cross-sectional shape of the eaves beamprofile may take a wide variety of forms and that the projections 128may be configured accordingly to match. When so fitted, the ends properof the eaves beam profile will be brought into abutment with those areasof the side faces 126 surrounding the projections 128 to afford a tightjoint between the profiled section and the face 126. After the connectorhas been fitted with the eaves beam section to be interconnected,suitable fasteners may be used to secure the eaves beam sections to theconnector. The connector may be provided with pre-drilled holes for thepurpose, e.g. for receiving self-tapping screws.

FIG. 5B illustrates an in-line connector for use in making a joint E2,the connector comprising a central portion 130 having a front face 132which is intended to be flush with the eaves beam sections on each sidethereof. Projections 134 extend from each side of the central portion130 for interfitting with the internal profile of the eaves beamsections. Each projection 134 may be provided with pre-drilled holes 135for reception of fasteners, e.g. self-tapping screws, for securing theeaves beam sections to the connector.

FIG. 6B illustrates a connector suitable for making right angled jointsbetween adjacent eaves beam sections. In this case, the connectorcomprises a block 140 of generally cuboidal configuration having outerfaces 142 (one only shown) which are right angles to one another and areintended to be flush with the eaves beam sections and sides faces 144,also at right angles to each other, provided with projections 146 forinterfitting with the eaves beam sections in the manner described abovein relation to the connector of FIG. 4B.

In each of the connector embodiments shown in FIGS. 4B to 6B, means 160is provided for providing a tiltable connection between the lower endsof the glazing bars 110 and the eaves structure so as to allow the pitchof the roof to be adjusted during installation. The tiltable connectionmay take various forms including a tiltable or pivotable boltarrangement of the kind disclosed for instance in British PatentApplication No. 2347963, i.e. where the head of the bolt is receivedwithin a channel in the eaves beam structure and is designed to permittilting of the associated glazing bar. The means 160 may comprise achannel 162 for reception of the tiltable component so that the tiltablecomponent is captive with the connector and may be adjusted slidablylengthwise of the channel.

Alternatively, instead of a tiltable bolt arrangement, the tiltableconnection may be achieved by means of glazing bar-mounting shoes aswill described further later. In the case of the corner connectors ofFIGS. 4B and 6B, the channel 162 extends generally horizontally andperpendiculary with respect to the bisector between the side faces ofthe connector block. The connector blocks in each case may besubstantially symmetric with respect to a vertical plane normal to thelength of the channel 162.

The connector embodiments of FIGS. 4B to 6B are also designed for thepurpose of controlling the load-bearing characteristics of theconservatory framework and, in particular, to ensure that the windowframes are largely relieved of load-bearing duties so far as the weightof the roof structure is concerned. In particular, the connectors ofFIGS. 4B to 6B are designed to co-operate with verticalload-transmitting members 164 which transmit the weight of the roofstructure from the eaves beam to the load-bearing wall 100 therebysubstantially by-passing the window frames. These load-transmittingmembers 164 are primarily located at the corners of the conservatoryframework but, particularly where the framework involves relatively longspans of the eaves beam with the attendant possibility of “sagging”,they may also be located intermediate the corners by inclusion of thein-line connectors of FIG. 5B in the eaves beam structure. In amodification, the load-transmitting members 164 may be arranged totransfer the weight of the roof directly to ground level rather than tothe wall 100.

Each connector is provided with a formation which interengages with theload-transmitting members 164. For example, where the load-transmittingmembers are in the form of posts, the connectors may be provided withrecesses 166 (not shown in FIG. 5B) having a configuration generallycomplementary to the outer periphery of the posts and opening at thebottom face of the blocks. In this case, the top portions of the postsare received in the recesses so as to abut with the bases of therecesses 166. In a modification, at least the top portions of theload-transmitting members may be hollow so as to receive a projectionprovided on the bottom walls of the connectors.

Cill corner connectors are illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 8B. The cillextruded profile is typically of the conventional box sectionconfiguration corresponding to the cross-sections of the connectors inFIGS. 7B and 8B. The connector 180 of FIG. 7B is of the type used forexample for a standard 135 or 150° corner between adjacent cill sectionsand is dimensioned for reception of the ends of the cill sectionsthereby concealing the end proper of each cill section which does nottherefore need to be mitred and may simply be squared off. Once the cillsections have been engaged with the connectors 180, they may be securedin place by affixing them to the top of the wall 100. The cill connector182 of FIG. 8B is generally the same as that of FIG. 7B except that theangle in this case is 90°. In addition to the corner connectors 180,182, in-line cill connectors (not shown) may be provided which comprisea straight length having a profile corresponding to the cornerconnectors of FIGS. 7B and 8B. The in-line cill connectors may be usedin conjunction with the in-line connectors for the eaves structure.

The cill connectors as described above interfit with the cill sectionsby insertion of the ends of the latter within their interiors. However,the possibility of the cill connectors having portions which insert intothe ends of the cill sections is not excluded. In this case, the cillconnectors may have a central portion which is exposed and substantiallyflush with the cill sections.

As in the case of the connectors for the eaves structure, each of thecill connectors is adapted for co-operation with the substantiallyvertical load-transmitting members 164, in particular the bottom ends ofthe latter, so that the weight of the roof structure is transmitted tothe load-bearing wall 100 thereby largely by-passing the window frames.The bottom ends of the members 164 may seat on the top walls of the cillconnectors in which case the cill connectors will be provided with meansfor registry with and location of the bottom ends of the members 164.Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 8B, the arrangement may besuch that the top wall 190 of the cill connectors is relieved ofload-carrying duties, e.g. by forming the top walls 190 with an aperture192 through which the members 164 extend for engagement with the bottomwall which seats on the load-bearing wall 100. If desired, the bottomwalls may also be apertured so that the members 164 extend through thecill connectors and seat directly on the wall 100.

The eaves beam connectors and the cill connectors may be produced asplastics mouldings, e.g. polypropylene or nylon, or they may befabricated from other materials such as aluminium or aluminium alloy.

Reverting now to the mounting of the glazing bars 110, FIG. 9Billustrates one form of mounting shoe for co-operation with the channels162 associated with the eaves structure connectors of the presentinvention and with corresponding channels associated with the eavesbeams themselves. One form of eaves beam profile is illustrated in FIG.13B by way of example. It will be understood that where the eaves beamprofile is as shown in FIG. 13B, the projections of the corner andin-line connectors will be adapted to match the internal profile of theeaves beam.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the glazing bars 110 comprise an inner member 28and an outer member (not shown) attachable to the inner member. Theglazing bar construction may be of any of the forms disclosed herein.

The inner member 24 is T-shaped and comprises a cross-piece 26 and acentral stem 28 which terminates at its upper end in a channel 30 bymeans of which the outer member may be attached to the inner member,e.g. in the manner disclosed in the above mentioned prior BritishApplications. The cross-piece 26 may be provided with cladding (notshown) to conceal the inner member on the inner side of the roof. Oncethe outer members have been assembled to the inner members of theglazing bars, the roofing panels are trapped between the inner and outermembers in the manner disclosed in the prior British Applications.

In constructing the roof, the glazing bars are coupled at their lowerends to the eaves structure in a tiltable manner to accommodate thepitch of the roof, such coupling being effected by means of glazing barmounting shoes 10 (see FIG. 9B) which are designed to be mountedtiltably on the eaves structure or on the eaves beam connectors andengage with the glazing bars in such a way that one component inserts ornests within the other in telescopic fashion and locates the glazingbars relative to the eaves structure without requiring any fastening, atleast not initially. In this manner, instead of having to fasten theglazing bars while holding them up in the air, after the shoes have beeninitially engaged with the eaves structure, the installer can thenengage sufficient glazing bars with respective shoes to support theridge structure without having to effect permanent securement of theglazing bars to the eaves structure at that stage.

As shown in FIG. 10B, each shoe may comprise a channel-section 40 havinga base 42, sides walls 44 and inwardly projecting flanges 46 boundingthe mouth of the channel. One end of the channel is closed by stop plate48 and the opposite end is open. The lower end portion of the glazingbar (of which only the inner member 24 is illustrated) inserts slidablyinto the channel 40 with the cross-piece 26 received as a close fitwithin the channel and with the stem 28 of the T projecting through theopen mouth of the channel. The flanges 46 serve to trap the cross-piece26 within the shoe. The fit may be sufficiently close (e.g. aninterference fit) that adequate resistance to withdrawal of the glazingbar is provided to prevent the glazing bar accidentally falling out ofthe shoe once inserted. Intially only the inner member 24 of the glazingbar is engaged with the shoe. The outer member is assembled after theroofing panels have been put in place.

The base of the channel 40 acts as cladding for the lower end portion ofthe inner member 24, the remaining length being clad by for exampleplastics cladding extending along the inner face of the glazing barsubstantially from the shoe to the ridge. The stop plate 48 as well aslimiting the extent to which the glazing bar can be inserted, alsoserves as an end closure for the glazing bar thereby obviating the needfor a separate end closure. If desired, the stop plate 48 may beprovided with a projection (not shown) for co-operation with the outermember to prevent the latter being lifted at that point by a would-beintruder attempting to gain access through the roof by removing theroofing panels.

At its underside, the shoe 10 is provided with a downwardly directedprojection which terminates in a portion 50 which co-operates with theeaves beam directly or the eaves beam connectors to allow the shoe andhence the glazing bar to tilt in the direction depicted by reference Aaccording to the desired pitch of the roof. For this purpose profile ofthe eaves beam or the eaves beam connectors includes a channel 162 forreception of the portion 50 so as to allow such tilting to occur. In theembodiment of FIG. 10B, the portion 50 may be generally cylindrical orspherical (at least in part) and the channel 162 is of generallycomplementary curvature. The portion 50 may be insertable through theopen mouth of the channel 162 in which case the portion 50 may beresiliently deformable to allow this. Alternatively the portion 50 maybe inserted from one open end of the channel 162. In both instances, theintergagement between the portion 50 and the channel is such that theshoe may slide lengthwise of the eaves beam or connector to enable it tobe positioned in any desired location.

FIGS. 11B and 12B illustrate modified forms of the shoe in both of whichthe channel-section 40 of slightly different configuration to that ofFIGS. 9B and 10B but is again designed for reception of the glazing barby sliding insertion as a close fit. Also both of these embodimentsinclude strengthening or bracing plates 54 securing the upper part ofthe stop plate 48 to the shoe and a projection 56 for co-operation withthe outer member of the glazing bar to prevent it being lifted away fromthe inner member in the vicinity of the shoe. For instance, theprojection 56 may be arranged to overlie the outer member for thispurpose.

The bracing plates may in addition to affording reinforcement for theend stop 48 also serve to locate fastening means for securing the shoeto the glazing bar. For example, the bracing plates 54 and the centralstem 28 of the inner member 24 may be drilled to receive a bolt tocouple the stem to the bracing plates.

In FIG. 11B, the shoe is provided with a tilting portion 50 of generallycylindrical configuration whereas in FIG. 4B, it is provided withtilting portion 50 in the form of a curved cup-shaped section which isdownwardly convex for co-operation with the channel 162. In each of theillustrated embodiments, the shoe may comprise a plastics moulding, e.g.a single piece moulding, of suitable material such as polypropylene.Alternatively, it may be fabricated from other materials such asaluminium or other metal.

In FIGS. 1B to 3B only the forward end of the conservatory is shown.Typically the rearward end will be located against a wall, e.g. the wallof a building such as a house to which the conservatory is attached. Atthe rearward end, the eaves beams and the cills on each side of theconservatory may terminate in end connectors which may be similar tothose used in-line connectors except that only one projection need beprovided for registry with the eaves beam or cill profile. Thus, forexample, at the rearward end of the conservatory, an arrangement such asthat shown in FIG. 14B may be employed. Referring to FIG. 14B, the eavesbeam end connector comprises a block 200 of generally cuboidalconfiguration adapted at one side thereof for registry with the end ofeaves beam. More specifically, the block 200 is provided on one face 201thereof with a projection 202 which interfits with the eaves beam eitherwith the internal profile or the external profile of the latter. Thus,for example, the projection 202 may be configured generally to match theinternal profile of the eaves beam and that end of the eaves beam may besquared off so that it buts tightly against the face 201. The block 200is also provided with a channel 162 for use in tiltably mounting aglazing bar, e.g. by way of a bar-mounting shoe or a tiltable boltarrangement in the manner previously described. The lower face of theblock 200 is coupled to a generally vertical load-transmitting post 204;for example, by reception in a recess (not shown) opening at the lowerface.

The cill end connector 206 has a configuration which generally matchesthat of the cill profile and interfits with the end of the cill eitherwith the internal profile or the external profile of the latter. Forexample, the cill end connector 206 may be dimensioned to receive thecill or it may be shaped to insert into the cill profile. An aperture208 is provided in the connector 206 for location of the post 204 toallow for load transfer to the wall 100 or to ground level.

In use, the post 204 may be secured by any suitable means to the wall ofthe house against which the rear end of the conservatory is located. Thearrangement may be such that the post 204 transmits the weight of theroof to the wall of the house or the securing arrangment may be suchthat it transmits the load to the wall 100 or to ground level.

In the foregoing description with reference to the drawings, the eavesbeam and the cill have closed profiles, e.g. box-type sections. However,the possibility of their having “open” profiles (i.e. a profile whichdoes not enclose a space on all sides) is not excluded.

The connectors disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with the anyone of the arrangements disclosed in the present application.

Coupling of Ridge Cap to Ridge Structure

Referring to the FIGS. 1C to 5C, the ridge of a conservatory roofcomprises a main ridge structure 10 from which glazing bars 12 extendtowards an eaves structure (not shown). The glazing bars support roofingpanels 14. The ridge structure 10 is surmounted by a ridge cap 16 havinga central section 18 bordered on each side by a flange 20 which overliesthe glazing bars and roofing panels. At its underside, the centralsection 18 is provided with a channel 22 comprising side walls 24 andinwardly directed lips 26 defining a slot 28 extending lengthwise of thecap. The channel 22 is bordered on each side by depending spaced legs 30which, when the cap is located in place on the ridge structure, receiveupstands 32 projecting from the ridge structure.

The cap 16 is secured in place from the interior of the conservatoryduring the construction process by means of a number of flexible ties 34which may be made of a suitable plastics material having sufficientstrength for the intended purpose. This may be done from beneath theroof, e.g. after roofing panels have been fitted to one side of theridge. The cap can then be left to rest on that side of the roof whilethe remaining roof panels are fitted.

Each tie comprises a main shank 36 terminating at its upper end in anenlarged portion 38 for engagement within the channel 22 in the mannerillustrated in FIG. 2. Over part of its length, the tie is provided witha region 40 provided with ratchet formations for co-operation with theteeth 42 of a locking member 44. The locking member 44 is retained onthe tie 34 by an annular shoulder 48 at the lower end of the tie overwhich the locking member can be pushed once the tie has been coupled tothe cap and inserted through apertures in the ridge structure.

The enlarged portion 38 is designed to be contractible in one directionso that it can be push-inserted through the slot 28 and then expand toretain the tie engaged within the channel 22. In the illustratedembodiment, the enlarged portion 38 is generally of arrowheadconfiguration having wings 50 which project laterally so that they candeflect inwardly as the enlarged portion 38 is pushed through the slot28. Once the wings are fully within the channel 28, they can return totheir unstressed configuration in which the ends of the wings 50 seat onthe inner faces of the lips 26 and prevent uncoupling of the ties fromthe cap.

In use, the ties 34 are coupled in the manner described above to theridge cap 16 at spaced intervals along the length of the cap and areinserted through apertures in the ridge structure 10 so as to projectbelow the latter. The ties are made sufficiently long that their lowerends can be gripped from below the ridge structure even when the cap isnot in position, e.g. when the cap is laid to one side of the peak ofthe ridge after fitting of the roofing panels at one side of the ridgeand before fitting the remaining roof panels. Once the panels have beenput in position, the cap can then be moved to the correct location asshown in FIG. 1C without the need for the installer to get on to theroof since the cap is already coupled (loosely) to the ridge structureand can simply be located in the correct position by manipulation fromone end of the conservatory without getting on the roof. Because theties have already been coupled to the cap and their ends are accessiblefrom beneath the roof, it is then simply a matter of pushing the lockingmembers 44 upwardly along the ratcheted section and into engagement withthe underside of the ridge structure 10 while pulling the tiesdownwardly to tension them. In this way, the locking members 44 can besecure the cap firmly in place. After this has been done, any excesslength of tie may be cut off or tucked away out of sight.

The locking member 44 may, if desired, be arranged so that it can beretracted back along the tie towards the lower end of the latter torelease the tie. For example, the locking member may have a pawl orpawls adapted to engage the ratchet members and means for moving thepawls to an inoperative state to allow such retraction of the lockingmember. Alternatively, the ratchet formations may extend over only partof the periphery of the in such a way that the teeth of the lockingmember coact with the ratchet formations when the locking member is inone orientation but are clear of the ratchet formations to allowretraction when the locking member is in a second orientation. Movementbetween the two orientations may, for instance, involve rotating thelocking member through 90 degrees.

In a modification, instead of the enlarged portion being contractible toallow it to enter the channel 22, it may be dimensioned so that, in oneorientation, it will pass through the slot 28 but when turned through 90degrees, it is then trapped within the channel.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention tothose features of the invention believed to be of particular importance,it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respectof any patentable feature or combination of features disclosed hereinand/or shown in the drawings whether or not those features are describedin relation to the same embodiment or in relation to differentembodiments and whether or not particular emphasis has been placed onsuch feature or features.

1-12. (canceled)
 13. A glazing bar mounting shoe for interengaging withand locating one end of a glazing bar, the shoe being adapted to betiltably mounted on an eaves structure and the arrangement being suchthat the glazing bar is insertable endwise into the shoe, the shoeincluding an end stop which limits the extent to which the bar isinsertable into the shoe.
 14. A conservatory framework comprising aneaves structure from which the roof is supported and a cill for mountingone or more window frames located below the eaves structure, at leastone corner and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure being formed by aseparate connector which interconnects adjacent sections of the eavesstructure and comprises a block having side faces from which projectionsextend for reception within the profile of the eaves structure.
 15. Aroofing structure comprising a ridge, an eaves beam, spaced apartglazing bars extending between the ridge and the eaves beam and roofingpanels supported by the glazing bars, characterised in that to providesecurity against removal of the roof panels: each glazing bar comprisesan inner elongate member which has at least one shoulder providingsupport for the inner face of an edge of a roofing panel and at leastone outer elongate member for co-operation with the inner member and, inuse, overlies an outer face of the roofing panel edge, the inner andouter elongate members being coupled together by fastening meansoperable from the inner member for obstructing lifting of the panelindependently of the outer member(s) in such a way as to maintain thepanel captive against lifting from the inner member after the outermember has been removed; and the lower edge of at least one of thepanels is provided with an end fitting including a portion overlying oneend of the roofing panel to prevent that end of the panel being lifted.16. A roofing structure comprising an eaves structure, glazing barssupported on the eaves structure, one or more roofing panels supportedby the glazing bars and an end fitting including a portion overlying oneend of the roofing panel, the end fitting being connected to the eavesstructure through male and female connector parts which are arranged tobe coupled together by push insertion of the male part into the femalepart in a direction transverse to the eaves structure in such a way thatthe male part is captive against withdrawal in the opposite direction toinsertion.
 17. A ridge assembly for a roof comprising a ridge structure,a ridge cap for fitting atop the ridge structure, the ridge cap having achannel at its underside, and at least one fastener having an enlargedpart for reception and retention in the channel, the fastener comprisinga flexible tie by means of which the cap can be secured from beneath theridge structure by a locking member co-operating with the tie.
 18. Aglazing bar assembly comprising an inner elongate member which has atleast one shoulder for providing support for the inner face of an edgeof a roofing panel and at least one outer elongate member whichco-operates with the inner member and, in use, overlies an outer face ofthe roofing panel edge, means being associated with the inner member forobstructing lifting of the panel independently of the outer member(s) insuch a way as to maintain the panel captive against lifting from theinner member after the outer member has been removed.